SMS Popup

• SMS Popup is a text-messaging app for Android phones that displays SMS notifications in a large, easy-to-read pop-up box similar to that found on the iPhone. When a message is received, it displays on the Hero’s screen along with three buttons that let you choose between closing the message, deleting it or replying to it. SMS Popup’s features include full customization of the notification LED, vibration and sound settings, text-to-speech functionality, voice recognition, configurable reminders and a privacy mode that conceals the identity of the person from whom you’re receiving messages. SMS Popup is free, is 647KB in size and requires Android 1.5 or higher, as of the date of publication.
  
  

UberSocial for Android

• Although the Hero comes with a built-in Twitter client, UberSocial for Android is a more feature-rich solution that gives you greater access to this popular social networking site. The app's features include multiple account support, threaded message view capabilities, custom notifications, interchangeable widgets, Twitter list integration, search functionality, customizable skins, Facebook integration, shake-to-refresh support and a filter that lets you read tweets posted by people in your geographic vicinity. UberSocial for Android is a free application, is 3.2MB in size and requires Android 1.6 or later.
  
  

Android App Manager

• Android App Manager is a suite of system tools that lets you control and monitor all applications installed on your HTC Hero. Its application management tool lets you view version information and file size for each app. It lets you run, delete and update your apps as well. Android App Manager also has a tool called History Eraser that lets you clear your call log, browser history, clipboard, SMS inbox and sent messages folder. Additional tools include a system information diagnostic utility and a settings manager. Android App Manager is free, requires 828KB of free space and runs on Android 2.0 or higher.
  
  

Lookout Security and Antivirus

• Lookout Security and Antivirus is an app designed to protect your Android-powered phone. With more than 10 million downloads from the Android Market store, it’s the most popular security solution available for devices like the HTC Hero, as of the date of publication. Its features include malware, spyware and trojan detection, a Find My Phone tool that lets you track your Hero if it’s stolen, and a backup and restore utility that syncs your files with MyLookout.com, just in case your Hero gets damaged. Lookout Security and Antivirus is a free application that’s 2.6MB in size and requires Android 1.5 or later.